Hey there, my name is Matt and I’m here to talk to you about a question that I’m sure many of you have asked yourselves at some point: Can I give my hamster mice food? Well, let me tell you a little story about my own personal experience with this question.
So, when I first got my little hammy, I was so excited to take care of him and make sure he had everything he needed.
I did my research and made sure to get him the right kind of food, bedding, and toys. But, like any new pet owner, I made a few mistakes along the way.
One day, I was at the pet store and I saw a bag of freeze-dried mice. I thought to myself “Hey, my hamster is a little rodent too, maybe he would like these!” So, I bought the bag and brought it home to give it a try.
Well, let me tell you, it was a disaster. My little guy wouldn’t even go near the freeze-dried mice. He just looked at me like I was crazy for even suggesting it.
And, to be honest, I felt pretty foolish for not realizing that just because a hamster and a mouse are both rodents, it doesn’t mean they eat the same things.
But, the good news is that I learned from my mistake and I’m here to share that knowledge with you. So, let’s dive in and find out what you can and can’t feed your hammy.
Table of Contents
What Do Hamsters Eat?
Hamsters are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. In the wild, they eat things like seeds, fruits, vegetables, and insects.
In captivity, a balanced diet for a hamster should include a mix of:
- Commercial hamster food
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Protein-rich foods such as cooked eggs or lean meats
What Shouldn’t Hamsters Eat?
While there are many things that a hamster can eat, there are also things that they should not eat. These include:
- Chocolate
- Avocados
- Alcohol
- Citrus fruits
- Raw potatoes
- Onions
Can Hamsters Eat Mice?
So, now to the question at hand: Can hamsters eat mice? The short answer is no, they should not.
While in the wild, hamsters may eat small insects and animals as part of their diet, it is not appropriate to feed them mice in captivity.
Mice are also not a natural part of a hamster’s diet and can be harmful to their health.
It’s important to stick to a diet that is specifically formulated for hamsters to ensure they are getting all the necessary nutrients and not consuming anything that could potentially harm them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed my hamster live mice?
No, it is not safe or appropriate to feed your hamster live mice. Not only is it cruel to the mouse, it can also be dangerous for your hamster as the mouse may carry diseases or parasites.
What can I feed my hamster instead of mice?
A balanced diet for a hamster should include a mix of commercial hamster food, fresh fruits and vegetables, and protein-rich foods such as cooked eggs or lean meats.
Avoid foods that are harmful to hamsters like chocolate, avocados, alcohol, citrus fruits, raw potatoes, and onions.
Can I give my hamster the occasional treat of freeze-dried mice?
No, it is not a good idea to give your hamster freeze-dried mice as a treat or part of their diet. It is not a natural or appropriate food for them and can be harmful to their health.
What are some fun or interesting facts about hamsters and their food?
– Hamsters have very large cheek pouches that they use to store food and carry it back to their burrows.
– Some species of wild hamsters are known to store up to two liters of food in their cheek pouches.
– Some hamsters can be picky eaters and may have preferences for certain types of food.
– Some hamsters are known to hoard their food and hide it in their burrows.
In Conclusion
So, there you have it folks, giving your hammy mice food is a big no-no.
Stick to a diet that includes commercial hamster food, fresh fruits and vegetables, and protein-rich foods such as cooked eggs or lean meats.
And remember, if you’re ever unsure about what to feed your furry friend, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian or a pet professional.
Hope you enjoyed reading and also learn a few things about your little buddy diet, now you can go back to your hamster and give him a big hug and tell him how much you care about his health, and also that you will never feed him a mouse again (unless it’s a cute toy one, that he can play with).